JP2965871B2 - Ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system for automatically exchanging a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes for printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional system of this type, a thermal transfer printer described in JP-A-60-253578 and a printing apparatus described in JP-A-2-258276 are known.

In order to perform color printing with such a conventional printer system, as described in JP-A-60-253578, an ink ribbon is applied by "dangling" as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, Y (yellow) / M (magenta) / C (cyan) /
It is divided into a plurality of areas as shown in B (black), and they are superimposed and printed.

However, in this method, if there is a variation in the usage rate of the color, there is a problem that the ribbon of the color that is not used is fed empty and is wasted.
In the thermal transfer printer described in JP-A-53578, a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes are arranged and held in the same direction as the movement of the carriage, and printing (printing) is performed while attaching and replacing the necessary ink ribbon cassettes to the carriage each time. A method has been proposed.

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are explanatory diagrams of the method. 26 (1) and 26 (2) correspond to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of the carriage viewed from the left. 25 and 26, a carriage 100 is driven by a timing belt 107 and a carriage drive motor 108 (not shown in FIG. 26) to form a platen 110 (not shown in FIG. 25).
Can be moved in a direction parallel to. The stocker 105 can hold a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes 101 to 104 in a direction parallel to the platen 110.

In FIG. 25, since the carriage 100 holds the ribbon cassette 103, printing can be performed by the print head 109 using the ribbon cassette 103. However, another ribbon cassette, for example, the ribbon cassette 101 is used. If you want to perform printing, return the ribbon cassette 103 to the empty position of the stocker 105,
What is necessary is just to go to take out the ribbon cassette 101.

In FIG. 26 (1) and FIG. 26 (2), the printing paper feed roller transports the printing paper 111 in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. When the printing paper 111 is inserted, the output of the printing paper presence sensor 113 is turned ON.

[0008] The transfer method of the ribbon cassette between the carriage 100 and the stocker 105 may be a method in which the stocker does not move and the carriage picks up a necessary ribbon cassette, or a method in which the stocker moves and places the ribbon cassette on the carriage. 26 (1) and 26 (2) illustrate the latter method.
FIG. 26 (1) shows a state where the stocker is raised, and FIG. 26 (2).
Shows a state where the stocker is lowered and the carriage holds the ribbon cassette.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-258276 discloses that, in order to smoothly carry a printing paper, the carriage is moved to the center when the printing paper is transported, the printing paper is pressed, and the jam of the printing paper is reduced. The technique of preventing is described. 27 to 29 are explanatory diagrams thereof.

In FIG. 27, the transport system of the printer includes a print head 201, a platen 202 facing the print head 201, a ribbon guide 206 positioned between the print head 201 and the platen 202, and a print head 201 and a ribbon guide 206. A carriage (carrier) 207 movable to the left and right, and a tractor 2 for transporting the printing paper 203.
04 and a cutter 205 for separating the printing paper. The tractor 204 is driven to rotate by a stepping motor 209 via a drive shaft 208.

The carriage 207 is mounted on the timing belt 2
And 10 is horizontally driven by a stepping motor 211. Further, a detection sensor 212 for determining the paper transport position is arranged on the transport path between the print head 201 and the tractor 204.

FIG. 28 shows the position of the carriage 207 when the printing paper 203 is transported in the discharge direction. FIG.
Shows an enlarged view up to the cutter of the printing paper path after printing.

The printing paper 203 is set on the tractor 204, and when the switch on the operation panel is pressed, the stepping motor 209 is driven, and the printing paper 203 is conveyed. Carry the amount of paper. At this time, the carriage 207 is moved to the center of the printing paper by the driving of the stepping motor 211 at the same time when the switch of the operation panel is pressed, as shown in FIG.
03 is pressed.

By doing so, the printing paper 2
The print paper is conveyed while falling down in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet 03 wraps around the platen 202 (paper path), and the upper end of the print paper is caught by the guide lower end 205 ″ of the cutter 205 to prevent paper jam.

[0015]

However, in an ink ribbon cassette auto-changer printer as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-253578, the changer moves the stocker upward or downward in order to attach or detach the ink ribbon cassette. To transfer the ink ribbon cassette to the carriage.

Therefore, if the carriage is moved when the stocker is lowered by the changer, or when the stocker is lowered for any reason, the carriage collides with the stocker and cannot move. There is a problem that an excessive load is applied to the motor, and if the operation is continued as it is, the motor will overheat, causing a failure or an accident.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a sensor for detecting whether the stocker is currently raised or lowered by a changer is attached, and the stocker is raised. It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problem by controlling the carriage so as not to operate when it is not in the state of being moved.

Further, when there is no sensor for detecting the state of the stocker, it is necessary to use a stepping motor or the like which can accurately determine the amount of rotation in order to raise or lower the stocker accurately, which increases the cost. However, by providing a sensor that detects the state of the stocker, it is possible to use an inexpensive motor (such as a DC motor) that cannot know the exact amount of rotation, thereby reducing the cost. It is an object.

In an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-253578, in order to attach and detach the ink ribbon cassette, the changer raises and lowers the stocker to lower the carriage. And the transfer of the ink ribbon cassette.

Therefore, if the changer attempts to lower the stocker when the carriage is forcibly moved by the user while the stocker is being raised by the changer, the stocker and the carriage collide with each other, and the changer becomes excessively large. There is a problem that a heavy load is applied, and if the operation is continued as it is, the motor generates heat and causes a failure or an accident.

Alternatively, if the changer attempts to raise the stocker when something is placed on the stocker, an excessive load is applied to the changer, causing the same problem.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the motor from overheating in the event of an abnormality by stopping the operation of the changer when the operation of the changer is not completed within a predetermined time.

In an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer as described in JP-A-60-253578, in order to attach and detach the ink ribbon cassette, the changer raises and lowers the stocker to lower the carriage. And the transfer of the ink ribbon cassette.

Therefore, when the printing paper is set while the stocker is raised by the changer, there is a problem that the printing paper is caught on the lower end of the stocker as shown in FIG.

The technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-258276 is a method of controlling the carriage to move to the center when feeding paper in order to prevent paper jam, but the ink ribbon cartridge having the stocker as described above is used. In the set autochanger printer, both ends of the paper are caught by the lower end of the stocker simply by moving the carriage to the center, so that there is a problem that the paper cannot be fed smoothly.

Therefore, in order to load paper into the ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer having the above-mentioned stocker, it is necessary to lower the stocker so that the paper is not caught on the lower end of the stocker. (When the stocker is lowered, the paper is not caught by the lower end of the stocker, but is guided and transported by the front surface of the stocker as shown in FIG. 26 (2).)

Therefore, if the stocker is raised when the user attempts to load paper, the user needs to perform an operation to lower the stocker before setting the printing paper. There was a problem that it was troublesome.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to immediately set the printing paper at the start of the next printing by controlling the stocker to be lowered after the printing operation.

Further, in such an ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer, there is a problem that the height of the housing for accommodating the printer is increased by an amount corresponding to raising the stocker. However, the present invention lowers the stocker after the printing operation. Side, that is, by lowering the stocker at all times except during printing, lowering the overall height of the housing in which the printer is stored (to the height of the printer when the stocker is lowered). Height).

Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the stocker is not lowered when the power is turned on (for example, when the power switch is turned off during printing), control is performed to lower the stocker so that the next printing can be started. It is also an object of the present invention to make it possible to immediately set a printing paper. Another object is to reduce the overall height of the housing in which the printer is placed.

When a print start instruction is given and the printing paper is not loaded, the user is notified of the fact and the control is performed so that the stocker is not raised until the printing paper is loaded. It also aims to prevent paper jams.

In an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer as described in JP-A-60-253578, in order to attach and detach the ink ribbon cassette, the changer raises and lowers the stocker to move the carriage downward. And the transfer of the ink ribbon cassette.

Therefore, when the stocker is lifted by the changer from the state where the stocker is lowered after the paper is loaded, and when the stocker is raised while the ink ribbon cassette is left in the carriage, the ink ribbon cassette to be used first after the start of printing is the carriage. Must be returned to the stocker once, and the ink ribbon cassette to be printed first must be mounted on the carriage, and the time required to start printing is increased by returning the ink ribbon cassette. There was a problem.

Conversely, when the stocker is lifted by the changer after the paper is loaded and the ink ribbon cassette is removed from the carriage and the stocker is lifted, the ink ribbon cassette to be used first after printing starts is originally If the ink ribbon cassette is in the carriage, there is a waste that the same ink ribbon cassette must be mounted on the carriage again.

According to the present invention, when the stocker is lifted by the changer after the paper is loaded, the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage is the same as the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette used first after printing is started. If it is the same, the changer raises the stocker while leaving the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage, and if it is different or cannot be determined, the changer holds the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage in the stocker. It is another object of the present invention to control the stocker so that the time until the start of printing can be reduced.

In an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-253578, in order to attach and detach the ink ribbon cassette, the changer raises and lowers the stocker to lower the carriage. And the transfer of the ink ribbon cassette.

Therefore, the type of the ink ribbon cassette attached to the carriage is determined based on where the ink ribbon cassette is taken out of the stocker when there is no ink ribbon cassette type detecting device in the carriage.

The type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette held in the stocker is, for example, B (black) and Y from the left end.
Since (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) are set, for example, if the ink ribbon cassette is mounted when the carriage is at the left end, it is recognized that the ink ribbon cassette is a “black” ink ribbon cassette. Can be.

However, in the conventional printer, the position of the carriage is generally recognized by a sensor which is turned ON when the carriage is moved to the left end, and the position is determined as the origin and the distance from the sensor is recognized. Before the printer is initialized (such as moving the carriage to the origin), for example, immediately after the power is turned on, the carriage position cannot be recognized. That is, the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette mounted on the carriage by the changer at that time cannot be recognized. Further, even when the ink ribbon cassette is already mounted on the carriage when the power is turned on, the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette cannot be recognized.

Therefore, even if the carriage already holds the ink ribbon cassette to be used first at the start of printing, the carriage is once returned to the stocker, the position of the carriage is recognized, and then the ink ribbon cassette is again held on the carriage. There is a problem that it is necessary to perform a useless operation of causing the operation to be performed.

Another object of the present invention is to recognize the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage by recognizing the position where the ink ribbon cassette is removed from the stocker.

[0042]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides a carriage having a print head and capable of holding and moving an ink ribbon cassette. 11, a stocker 12 for removably storing the ink ribbon cassette, and a stocker 1
A changer 13 that shifts the carriage 2 and the carriage 11 into two states: a ribbon transfer state in which the two are brought close to each other to transfer an ink ribbon cassette; and a carriage movable state in which the carriage 11 is movable by separating the two. Changer state detecting means 14 for detecting whether the changer 13 is in the ribbon transfer state or the carriage movable state, and the changer 13
Is an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system including a control means 15 for preventing the carriage 11 from moving when the carriage is not in a movable state.

In the present invention, the print head provided on the carriage 11 is preferably a thermal head from the viewpoint of miniaturization, but a needle dot impact type print head can also be used.

The stocker 12 has a plurality of colors, preferably Y
(Yellow) / M (magenta) / C (cyan) / B (black) It is preferable that the ink ribbon cassettes can be removably accommodated. A vertical type that can be stacked and stored can be used.

It is preferable that the changer 13 shifts the stocker 12 and the carriage 11 into two states, a ribbon transfer state and a carriage movable state, by rotating the cam. Can also. It is convenient to use a microprocessor as the control means 15.

Also, the present invention provides a carriage having a print head and capable of holding and moving an ink ribbon cassette, a stocker for accommodating the ink ribbon cassette to be taken out, and a stocker and a carriage which are brought close to each other. A changer that shifts into two states, a ribbon transfer state in which the set is transferred, and a carriage movable state in which the carriage is movable by separating the two; and the changer is in the ribbon transfer state or the carriage movable state. Changer state detecting means for detecting whether the changer is in a state from the ribbon transfer state to the carriage movable state, and a time from the carriage movable state to the ribbon transfer state, time measuring means for measuring the time,
An ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system comprising a changer stopping means for stopping the changer shifting operation when the changer state detecting means does not detect that the target state has been reached even after the time measuring means has counted a predetermined time.

In the above-mentioned configuration, it is preferable that the changer 13 automatically shifts from the carriage movable state to the ribbon transfer state after the printing operation of the carriage 11 is completed.

In the above configuration, when the power is turned on and the changer state detected by the changer state detecting means 14 is not the ribbon transfer state, the power supply for automatically shifting the changer 13 to the ribbon transfer state is provided. It is preferable that the time changer is further provided with an automatic shifting means.

Further, in the above arrangement, the paper detecting means for detecting the set state of the printing paper, the print start instructing means for instructing the start of printing, and
When the setting state of the printing paper is detected, when the setting of the printing paper is completed, the changer 13 is shifted from the ribbon delivery state to the carriage movable state, and when the printing paper is not set, the printing paper is not set. It is preferable that the apparatus further includes a sheet state determination unit for notifying the user.

In the above configuration, a carriage ribbon type recognizing means for recognizing the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage 11, a print ribbon type storing means for storing the type of the ink ribbon cassette used first at the time of printing, When the start of printing is instructed, the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage 11 is recognized, and if the recognized type is the same as the type stored in the print ribbon type storage means, the ink ribbon cassette is Changer 1 while holding the
When the recognized type is different from the type stored in the print ribbon type storage unit, or when the type of the ink ribbon cassette held by the carriage 11 cannot be recognized, It is preferable that the printer further includes a ribbon type transfer unit for transferring the changer 13 from the ribbon transfer state to the carriage movable state when the ink ribbon cassette is taken out of the carriage 11.

Further, the present invention provides a carriage having a print head and capable of holding and moving an ink ribbon cassette, accommodating a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes in a removable manner, and determining whether each ink ribbon cassette is accommodated. A stocker having storage detecting means for detecting, a ribbon delivery state in which the stocker and the carriage are brought close to each other to carry out the delivery of the ink ribbon cassette, and a carriage movable state in which the carriage is movable by separating the two. A changer that shifts between two states, a stocker ribbon type storage unit that stores the type of the ink ribbon cassette stored in the stocker for each storage position, and a storage detection unit that detects the position of the ink ribbon cassette that is removed from the stocker. Memory of the detected position and stocker ribbon type From the class of the ink ribbon cassette stored in the stage, a ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system comprising includes a stocker position ribbon kind determining means for determining the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage.

[0052]

According to the present invention, when the carriage is moved, the changer state detecting means 14 detects whether the changer 13 is in the ribbon delivery state or the carriage movable state. The carriage 14 is prevented from moving by the control means 14. Therefore, collision between the carriage 11 and the stocker 12 can be avoided, and overheating of the carriage drive motor can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, when the state of the changer shifts, the predetermined time is measured by the timer, and if the time does not reach the target state even if the measured time exceeds the predetermined time. The change operation of the changer 13 is stopped by the changer stopping means. Therefore, breakage of the changer 13 and overheating of the changer drive motor can be prevented.

If a changer automatic transfer means is provided at the end of printing, the changer 13
Automatically shifts from the carriage movable state to the ribbon delivery state. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly insert the printing paper when printing is performed next time, and it is possible to keep the height of the housing low.

If the changer automatic transition means at power-on is further provided, and if the changer state detected by the changer state detection means 14 is not the ribbon transfer state when the power is turned on, the changer 1
3 automatically transitions to the ribbon delivery state. Therefore, even when the changer is not in the ribbon delivery state when the power is turned on, it is possible to smoothly insert the printing paper when printing is performed in the future, and it is possible to keep the height of the housing low.

In the case where paper detection means, print start instructing means and paper state determination means are further provided, when printing start is instructed, the setting state of the printing paper is detected and the setting of the printing paper is completed. At this time, the changer 13 is shifted from the ribbon transfer state to the carriage movable state, and when the print paper is not set, it is notified that the print paper is not set.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the changer from shifting when the printing paper is not set, so that the printing paper can be smoothly inserted (to prevent the paper from jamming).
be able to. Also, the user can be prompted to insert the printing paper.

When the carriage ribbon type recognizing means, the print ribbon type storing means and the ribbon type shifting means are further provided, the type of the ink ribbon cassette held by the carriage 11 is recognized when the start of printing is instructed. If the recognized type is the same as the type stored in the print ribbon type storage means, the changer 13 shifts from the ribbon delivery state to the carriage movable state while the ink ribbon cassette is held on the carriage 11. Is done. If the recognized type is different from the type stored in the print ribbon type storage means, or if the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage 11 cannot be recognized, the ink ribbon cassette is removed from the carriage 11 and The changer 13 is shifted from the ribbon delivery state to the carriage movable state.

Therefore, if the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage 11 is the ink ribbon cassette to be used first, the ink ribbon cassette is not replaced, so that the time until the start of printing can be shortened.

Further, the present invention provides a carriage having a print head and capable of holding and moving an ink ribbon cassette, accommodating a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes in a removable manner, and determining whether or not each ink ribbon cassette is accommodated. A stocker having storage detecting means for detecting, a ribbon delivery state in which the stocker and the carriage are brought close to each other to carry out the delivery of the ink ribbon cassette, and a carriage movable state in which the carriage is movable by separating the two. A changer that shifts between two states, a stocker ribbon type storage unit that stores the type of the ink ribbon cassette stored in the stocker for each storage position, and a storage detection unit that detects the position of the ink ribbon cassette that is removed from the stocker. Memory of the detected position and stocker ribbon type In the case of an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system including a stocker position ribbon type determination unit for determining the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage from the type of the ink ribbon cassette stored in the column, the printer is removed from the stocker. The type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage can be determined from the position of the ink ribbon cassette.

Therefore, even when the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage cannot be recognized, the type of the ink ribbon cassette can be determined from the state of the stocker. Useless operations such as mounting can be omitted, and the time until the start of printing can be reduced.

[0062]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette autochanger printer system according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, an ink ribbon cassette auto-changer printer system that automatically replaces four ink ribbon cassettes and performs printing will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ink ribbon cassette auto-changer printer system of the present invention includes a control / arithmetic unit (CPU-Central Processing Unit) 1 for controlling the operation of each component and performing arithmetic operations.

The storage device 3 is directly connected to the control / arithmetic device 1. The input device 2, the display device 4, and the printing device 5 are connected via the I / O port 6. The storage device 3 is an RA that can read / write the document data, the image data, the various variable data, and the like.
M (Random Access Memory) and control / operation device (CP
U) A ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a control program for operating 1 is stored is connected.

As the input device 2, a keyboard for inputting document data and instructions from a user (user) is connected via a key interface. Although not shown, a color image scanner or the like for inputting color image data may be connected.

As the display device 4, an L for displaying document data, image data, a message for the user, and the like is displayed.
A CD (Lequid Crystal Display) is connected via an LCD controller. As the printing device 5, a printing device (ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer) 5 for printing document data, image data, and the like is connected.

The printing apparatus 5 has a thermal head,
And a carriage 5-3 movable in a direction parallel to the platen, and four ink ribbon cassettes arranged on the carriage 5-3 in parallel with the moving direction of the carriage 5-3. The stocker 5-1 and the ink ribbon cassette held at an arbitrary position of the stocker 5-1 are removed and mounted on the carriage 5-3, or the ink ribbon cassette held at the carriage 5-3 is removed and the optional stocker 5-1 is removed. (The ink ribbon cassette is not held) and a paper feeder 5-4 for feeding paper.

The stocker 5-1 is provided with four stocker cassette holding sensors for detecting whether or not each of the four ink ribbon cassettes is held, and the stocker 5 is provided so that the user can easily replace the ink ribbon cassette. And a stocker closing sensor for detecting whether or not 1 is open.

The changer 5-2 includes a changer upper end sensor for judging whether the stocker 5-1 is in the raised state and a changer lower end sensor for judging whether the stocker 5-1 is in the lowered state. Each has one. Further, it has a motor for vertically moving the changer 5-2 and a driver for driving the motor.

The carriage 5-3 has one carriage cassette holding sensor for detecting whether or not the ink ribbon cassette is held on the carriage 5-3, and detects the end of the ink ribbon during printing. One ink ribbon end sensor, one print head for printing and one driver for applying voltage to the print head, a motor for driving the carriage 5-3, a motor for bringing the print head into close contact with the paper or winding the ink ribbon. , And one driver for driving those motors.

The paper feeder 5-4 has one paper sensor for determining whether or not paper is set, one motor for feeding paper, and one driver for driving the motor.

The output of each sensor is input to the control / operation device (CPU) 1 via the I / O port 6, and each driver is connected to the control / operation device (CPU).
1 through the I / O port 6.

FIGS. 3 to 13 are explanatory views of the printing apparatus (ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer) 5. FIG. In FIG. 3, the stocker 5-1 is capable of holding the ink ribbon cassettes 5-5 to 5-8, and a stocker cassette holding sensor 5-1 for determining whether or not each ink ribbon cassette is held. 1 to
5-1-4.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of the stocker cassette holding sensor 5-1-1 (other stocker cassette holding sensors 5-1-2 to 5-1-4).
The same). Stocker cassette holding sensor 5-1-1
Uses a switch that is turned ON only when the projection is pressed down. In FIG. 4A, the stocker cassette holding sensor 5-1-1 is OFF since the stocker 5-1 does not hold the ink ribbon cassette. FIG.
In (2), the ink ribbon cassette 5-
Since 5 is held, the projection is pushed and turned ON.

The stocker 5-1 is provided in FIG. 5 so that the user can easily replace the ink ribbon cassette.
A stocker closing sensor 5 that can be opened as shown in (1) and detects whether or not the stocker 5-1 is open.
-1-5.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the stocker closing sensor 5-1-5. The stocker closing sensor 5-1-5 uses a switch that is turned ON only when the protrusion is pressed down. In FIG. 5A, the stocker 5-1 is used.
Is open and the stocker close sensor 5-1-5
Is OFF. In FIG. 5B, the stocker 5-1 is used.
Is closed, the projection is pushed and turned ON.

The changer 5-2 is capable of moving the stocker 5-1 up and down, and carries out an ink ribbon cassette transfer operation between the stocker 5-1 and the carriage 5-3. The changer 5-2 includes a changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 and a changer lower end sensor 5-2.
-2-3.

FIGS. 6 (1) to 6 (4) show a changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 and a changer lower end sensor 5-5-2.
It is explanatory drawing of 2-3. As shown in these figures, the cam 5-2-1 rotates in synchronization with the operation of the changer 5-2 (when the stocker 5-1 moves from the upper end position to the lower end position, the cam 5-2 is moved). 1 rotates 180 °).

When the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end position (0 °), the state is as shown in FIG. 6A, the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is turned on, and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is turned off. Becomes

When the stocker 5-1 is at the lower end position (180)
6), the state shown in FIG. 6C is reached, the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is turned off, and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is turned on.

The state shown in FIG. 6 (2) and FIG. 6 (4) (changer upper sensor 5-2-2 and changer lower sensor 5-2-3 are both ON or both OF)
F state) indicates a state where the stocker 5-1 is located between the upper end and the lower end.

FIG. 7 shows a changer upper end sensor 5-2.
2. The relationship between the output state of the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3, the angle of the cam 5-2-1, and the vertical position of the stocker 5-1 is summarized in a table. For example, when the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is ON and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is OFF, the cam 5-2
It can be seen that the angle of 1 is 0 ° and the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end.

As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 5-3
Is guided by a shaft 5-9, moved in parallel with a platen 5-10 by a carriage driving mechanism (not shown), and can be printed by a print head 5-3-2.

A carriage left end sensor (not shown) which is turned ON when the carriage 5-3 is moved to the left end.
The current position of the carriage 5-3 is recognized by using the position as the origin and the moving distance therefrom. (Because a stepping motor is used as the motor for moving the carriage 5-3, the moving distance can be recognized by the number of steps.)

The carriage 5-3 has a carriage cassette holding sensor 5-3-1.
-3, it is possible to determine whether or not the ink ribbon cassette is held. Carriage cassette holding sensor 5-
3-1 also stocker cassette holding sensor 5-1-1-5
A switch similar to -1-4 is used. The carriage 5-3 has an ink ribbon end sensor 5-3-3, and when the ink ribbon ends during printing, it can be detected.

FIG. 8 shows an ink ribbon end sensor 5-3-.
It is explanatory drawing of No.3. In FIG. 8, the ink ribbon 5-7
-1 is a light emitting section 5 of the ink ribbon end sensor 5-3-3.
-3-3-1 and the light receiving section 5-3-3-2.

There is an ink ribbon end mark 5-7-2 near the end of the ink ribbon 5-7-1. In this portion, a portion that transmits light and a portion that does not transmit light alternate. Normally, the ink ribbon hardly transmits light, and the light receiving section 5-3-3.
No light reaches -2. However, the ink ribbon 5-7-1
Is wound in the direction of the arrow, and the ink ribbon end mark 5-
When 7-2 passes through the ink ribbon end sensor 5-3-3, the light receiving section 5-3-3-2 receives a light pulse, converts the pulse into an electric pulse, and outputs the pulse. Can be detected.

FIG. 9 shows that the changer 5-2 has the stocker 5-.
1 shows a state where 1 has been raised. The carriage 5-3 has a platen 5-1 only when the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end.
It can move in a direction parallel to 0.

In FIG. 9, the stocker 5-1 holds the ink ribbon cassettes 5-5 to 5-8, and the carriage 5-3 does not hold the ink ribbon cassette. Here, to attach the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 to the carriage 5-3, as shown in FIG.
Is moved directly below the ink ribbon cassette 5-7, and the stocker 5-1 is lowered by the changer 5-2.
After the carriage 5-3 holds the ink ribbon cassette 5-7, the stocker 5-1 is raised.

In order to move the carriage 5-3 directly below each of the ink ribbon cassettes 5-5 to 5-8, the carriage 5-3 is provided to a stepping motor (not shown) for moving the carriage 5-3 (from the origin to each stocker). The number of steps (up to the position) is stored in the storage device 3 in advance, and a value obtained by subtracting the number of steps at the current position of the carriage from the number of steps at the target stocker position is given to the stepping motor.

FIG. 11 shows a state where the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 is mounted on the carriage 5-3, and the stocker 5-1 is raised again by the changer 5-2. As a result, the carriage 5-3 moves the ink ribbon cassette 5
It is possible to perform a printing operation using -7.

The other ink ribbon cassette is inserted into the carriage 5
-3, the carriage 5-3 is moved to a position immediately below the empty position of the stocker 5-1, and the changer 5 is mounted.
-2 lowers the stocker 5-1, and the stocker 5
-1 holds the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 and then raises the stocker 5-1 so that the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 can be returned to the original position of the stocker 5-1. What is necessary is just to attach similarly. The stocker 5-1 and the carriage 5
The details of the method of transferring the ink ribbon cassette between -3 will be described later.

FIG. 12 shows a state where the stocker 5-1 is opened. When the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end position as shown in FIG. 9, the stocker 5-1 can be opened by rotating about the stocker rotating shaft 5-1-6, and the ink ribbon cassette 5-5 can be opened.
~ 5-8 can be exchanged by the user. The stocker 5-1 has a stocker closing sensor 5-1-5, and can determine whether the stocker 5-1 is in an open state. The stocker closing sensor 5-1
5 has already been described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 13 (1) to 13 (4) show the stocker 5
-1 and the ink ribbon cassette 5 between the carriage 5-3
7 is an explanatory view of the delivery of the ink ribbon cassette 5 (ink ribbon cassette 5).
Since the outer shapes of −5 to 5-8 are all the same, the delivery method is also the same).

In FIG. 13A, the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 is held by a stocker 5-1 by a stocker fixed holding claw 5-1-7 and a stocker movable holding claw 5-1-8. The carriage 5-3 has a plurality of carriage fixing holding tabs 5-3-4 for holding the ink ribbon cassette.

Here, when it is desired to mount the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 held in the stocker 5-1 on the carriage 5-3, the changer 5-2 (not shown in FIG. 13).
Lowers the stocker 5-1 as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 13 (2), the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 includes a stocker 5-1 (stocker fixed holding claw 5-
1-7 and the stocker movable holding tab 5-1-8) and the carriage 5-3 (carriage holding tab 5-3-4).

Next, the changer 5-2 moves the stocker movable holding tab 5-1-8 in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. This means that the stocker 5-1 has released the holding of the ink ribbon cassette 5-7.

Next, the changer 5-2 is connected to the stocker 5-1.
To rise. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13D, the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 is held on the carriage 5-3, and the stocker 5-1 does not hold the ink ribbon cassette.

On the other hand, when it is desired to return the ink ribbon cassette 5-7 held on the carriage 5-3 to the stocker 5-1 as shown in FIG. 13D, the changer 5-2 becomes as shown in FIG. 5-1-8 stocker movable holding tab
Is moved in the direction of the arrow to lower the stocker 5-1.
Next, the changer 5-2 returns the stocker movable holding tab 5-1-8 to its original position (holds the ink ribbon cassette 5-7) as shown in FIG.

The holding power of the ink ribbon cassette by the stocker fixed holding tab 5-1-7 and the stocker movable holding tab 5-1-8 is sufficiently stronger than the holding force of the carriage fixed holding tab 5-3-4. 7 is detached from the carriage 5-3 as shown in FIG. 13A, and is mounted on the stocker 5-1.

The stocker 5-1 has as many as four ink ribbon cassettes that can be held (four in this embodiment).
Only the stocker movable holding claw 5-1-8 at the position in contact with the carriage 5-3 when the stocker 5-1 is lowered can be moved by 2.

The changer 5-2 is connected to the stocker 5-
1 is raised or lowered, it is determined whether or not to move the stocker movable holding tab 5-1-8.
Can be selected by a claw moving cam (not shown) that is rotated by a changer motor (not shown) that raises or lowers.

The claw moving cam is the same as the cam 5 shown in FIG.
Rotates in synchronization with the operation of the changer 5-2 in the same manner as 2-1 and rotates from 180 ° (the lower end of the stocker 5-1) to 270 °
There is a convex portion at the position (the stocker 5-1 is in the middle), and the stocker movable holding claw is moved by this convex portion.

That is, when the changer motor (not shown) raises the stocker 5-1 in the rotation direction of 180 ° → 270 ° → 360 ° (0 °), the stocker movable holding claw 5
-1-8 moves. When the stocker 5-1 is raised in the rotation direction of 180 ° → 90 ° → 0 °, the stocker movable holding claw 5-1-8 does not move.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory views showing the cross-sectional state of the ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer of this embodiment. FIG. 14A shows a state in which the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end, and FIG.
-1 indicates a state at the lower end.

In FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, the printing paper 5-4-3 is fed in the direction of the arrow by the paper feed roller 5-4-2, and the platen 5-10 and the print head 5-4-2. Inserted between 3-2.

When the printing paper 5-4-3 is inserted, the output of the paper presence / absence sensor 5-4-1 is turned on to detect that the paper has been inserted. The paper presence sensor 5-
4-1 has a carriage cassette presence sensor 5-3-1
(A switch that is turned ON only when the protrusion is pressed) is used, and when the paper is inserted, the protrusion is pressed and the output is turned ON.

In FIG. 14A, the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end. When the printing paper 5-4-3 is conveyed in this state,
The leading end of the printing paper 5-4-3 hits the lower end of the stocker 5-1 and causes a paper jam.

In FIG. 14B, the stocker 5-1 is at the lower end, and in this state, the printing paper 5-4-3 does not hit the lower end of the stocker 5-1 and the front side of the stocker 5-1. Can be transported smoothly by using as a guide.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process for preventing the carriage from moving when the changer is not in the carriage movable state. In this embodiment,
In order to transfer the ink ribbon cassette between the stocker 5-1 and the carriage 5-3, the changer 5-2 moves the stocker 5-1 up and down. However, even if the carriage 5-3 is to be moved when the stocker 5-1 is not in the raised state, the carriage 5-3 hits the stocker 5-1 and cannot move, causing a failure. In the processing, when the stocker 5-1 is not in the raised state, the carriage 5-3 is controlled not to move.

When a movement instruction is given to the carriage 5-3, the flow shown in FIG. 15 is started. First, step S
At 101, it is determined whether the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is ON or OFF. If ON, the process proceeds to step S102, and if OFF, the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S102, it is determined whether the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is ON or OFF. If ON, the process proceeds to step S103, and if OFF, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S103, since the upper sensor 5-2-2 of the changer is OFF, or the upper sensor 5-2-2 of the changer is ON and the lower sensor 5-2-3 of the changer is ON, the position of the stocker as shown in FIG. Is not at the upper end, and the carriage 5-3 cannot move. Therefore, the stocker 5-1 is raised by the changer 5-3, and the process proceeds to step S104.

On the other hand, in step S104, since the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is ON and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is OFF, the stocker position is found to be at the upper end as shown in FIG.
-3 is performed, and the process ends. With the above processing, the carriage is prevented from moving when the changer is not in the carriage movable state.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing for stopping the operation of the changer when the changer does not reach the target state.

In this embodiment, in order to transfer the ink ribbon cassette between the stocker 5-1 and the carriage 5-3, the changer 5-2 moves the stocker 5-1 up and down. However, for some reason (for example, the carriage 5-3 is moved by the user or the stocker 5-3 is moved).
Stocker 1)
When the changer 5-2 is operated when the changer 5-2 cannot be moved, a load is applied to the changer motor and the like, which may cause a failure. If it does not come to a state in which the changer 5-2 does not operate, the operation of the changer 5-2 is controlled to be stopped.

The predetermined time is set in advance to an optimum value (a value sufficiently larger than the time required for normal operation and sufficiently smaller than the time when a problem such as overheating of the motor occurs) in accordance with the specifications of the ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer. , Are stored in the storage device 3.

When an operation instruction is given to the changer 5-2, the flow of FIG. 16 is started. First, in step S201, a timer for measuring time is initialized. It is assumed that the timer is included in the control / arithmetic device 1.

In step S202, the changer 5-2
(The stocker 5-1 is raised or lowered) is started. In step S203, it is determined whether or not the operation of the changer 5-2 has been completed.
2 and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3. If the processing has been completed, the present processing is completed. If the processing has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S204.

If the operation of the changer 5-2 is the raising of the stocker 5-1, the changer upper end sensor 5
-2-2 is ON, changer bottom sensor is OFF
Is determined to have ended, and the changer 5-
If the operation of No. 2 is the lowering of the stocker 5-1, it is determined that the operation has ended when the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is OFF and the changer lower end sensor is ON.

In step S204, it is determined with reference to the timer of the arithmetic and control means 1 and the set time stored in the storage device 3 whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation of the changer 5-2. If the time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S203. If the time has elapsed, the process returns to step S20.
Go to 5.

In step S205, since the operation of the changer 5-2 has not been completed even though the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer, and the display device 4
Then, a message such as "An error has occurred in the printer. Please turn off the power" is displayed to notify the user of the error, and the process ends. When this message is displayed, the user notices an abnormality in the printer, and if an object is on the stocker, removes the object and turns off the power.

When the power is turned on again, the system initializes the printer, and if the abnormality of the printer has been removed, printing can be performed as usual. If the changer does not reach the target state by the above processing, the operation of the changer is stopped.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing for automatically shifting the changer from the carriage movable state to the ribbon exchange state after the printing operation is completed. In this process, printing is performed to make it easier for the user to insert printing paper into the ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer (to prevent paper jam) and to reduce the height of the housing that houses the ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer. Control is performed such that the stocker 5-1 is lowered later.

When printing is started by the ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer, the flow of FIG. 17 is started. First, in step S302, a printing process is performed, and it is determined whether or not printing has been completed in step S302. If not completed, the process returns to step S301, and if completed, the process proceeds to step S303.

In the step S303, the carriage 5-3
It is determined whether or not the ink ribbon cassette is held above, and if not, the process proceeds to step S307, and if it is, the process proceeds to step S304.

In the step S304, the carriage 5-3
To return the upper ink ribbon cassette to the original position of the stocker 5-1, the carriage 5-3 is moved to a position directly below the corresponding holding position of the stocker 5-1.

At step S305, the changer 5-
2 lowers the stocker 5-1. As a result, the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage 5-3 is held by both the carriage 5-3 and the stocker 5-1.

At step S306, the changer 5-
2 raises the stocker 5-1 without holding the stocker movable holding tab 5-1-8 (holding the ink ribbon cassette). Steps S304 to S30 described above
The ink ribbon cassette on the carriage 5-3 is transferred to the stocker 5-1 by the process of 6. Next, in step S307, the carriage 5-3 is moved to the home position.

In the conventional printer, the home position of the carriage 5-3 is, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-258767, a central position in order to smoothly carry the printing paper. However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the storage position of the carriage 5-3 may be set to any position because the stocker 5-1 is lowered so that the printing paper is conveyed smoothly. For example, in the present embodiment, the position is set at the left end position of the stocker 5-1 where the most frequently used black ink ribbon cassette is held. However, another position may be set as the home position. In step S308, the changer 5-
2 lowers the stocker 5-1 (by holding the ink ribbon cassette) without moving the stocker movable holding tab 5-1-8.

By the above processing, the changer is automatically shifted from the carriage movable state to the ribbon replacement state after the printing operation is completed. Steps S304 and S307 are processing for moving the carriage 5-3, so that when the changer is not in a state where the carriage can be moved, the movement of the carriage is prevented.

Steps S305 and S30
Steps S6 and S308 are operations of the changer 5-2 (moving the stocker 5-1 up and down), so that when the changer does not reach the target state, the operation of stopping the changer is simultaneously performed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing for automatically shifting the changer from the carriage movable state to the ribbon replacement state when the power is turned on. This process is performed by turning on the power to make it easier for the user to insert printing paper into the ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer (to prevent paper jam) and to reduce the height of the housing that houses the ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer. If the stocker 5-1 is not in a lowered state from time to time (for example, when power is cut off during printing), control is performed so that the stocker 5-1 is lowered.

When the power is turned on to the ink ribbon cassette auto-changer printer system, FIG.
8 is started. First, in step S401, the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is ON or OFF.
Is determined, and if ON, the process proceeds to step S402.
If it is OFF, the process moves to step S403.

In step S402, it is determined whether the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is ON or OFF.
If so, the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is ON and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is OFF, so that it can be seen from FIG. 7 that the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end and the process proceeds to step S405. I do.

In step S403, it is determined whether the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is ON or OFF. If ON, changer top sensor 5-
2-2 is OFF and changer bottom sensor 5-2
7, since the stocker 5-1 is at the lower end as shown in FIG. 7, the power supply was shut down normally before the power was turned on (the power supply was cut off when printing was not performed). ) And terminates this processing. If it is OFF, the process moves to step S404.

In step S404, the changer upper sensor 5-2-2 is ON and the changer lower sensor 5-2-3 is ON, or the changer upper sensor 5-2-2 is OFF and the changer lower sensor 5-2 is OFF.
7, since the stocker position is at the middle position as shown in FIG. 7, the changer 5-2 once lowers the stocker 5-1 to move the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage 5-3 to the stocker 5-1. And the stocker 5-1 is raised, and the process proceeds to step S405.

On the other hand, in step S405, the stocker 5-
Since 1 is at the upper end and the carriage 5-3 is movable, the carriage 5-3 is moved to the home position.
This is because the carriage 5-3 is moved to the home position (the position where the black ink ribbon cassette which is considered to be used most frequently is held) so that the printing start process can be efficiently performed.

Finally, in step S406, the changer 5-2 lowers the stocker 5-1 and ends this processing. With the above processing, when the power is turned on, the changer is automatically shifted from the carriage movable state to the ribbon replacement state.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the processing for preventing the stocker from being raised until the printing paper is inserted. This process raises the stocker 5-1 until it is confirmed that the paper has been inserted so that the user can easily insert the printing paper into the ink ribbon cassette autochanger printer at the start of printing (to prevent paper jam). The control is performed so as not to cause it.

When the user instructs the ink ribbon cassette auto-changer printer system to start printing, or when the paper ends during printing and the next paper is needed, the flow of FIG. 19 is started. First, in step S501, it is determined by the paper presence / absence sensor 5-4-1 whether or not a print sheet has been inserted. If the sheet has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step S502.

In step S502, it is determined whether the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is ON or OFF. If ON, the process proceeds to step S503, and if OFF, the process proceeds to step S504.

In step S503, it is determined whether the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is ON or OFF.
If so, the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is ON and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is OFF, so that it is determined that the stocker 51 is at the upper end, and the process proceeds to step S506 as can be seen from FIG.

On the other hand, in step S504, it is determined whether the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is ON or OFF.
2-2 is OFF and changer bottom sensor 5-2
3 is ON, so that the stocker 5-1 can be seen from FIG.
Is determined to be at the lower end, and the process proceeds to step S508.
If it is OFF, the process moves to step S505.

In step S505, the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is turned on and the changer lower end sensor 5-2-3 is turned on, or the changer upper end sensor 5-2-2 is turned off and the changer lower end sensor 5-2 is turned off.
Since -2-3 is OFF, as can be seen from FIG.
Since the stocker position is in the middle position, the changer 5
-2 lowers the stocker 5-1 once, and the carriage 5-
The stocker 5-1 is raised by holding the ink ribbon cassette on the stocker 3 in the stocker 5-1.

In step S506, since the stocker 5-1 is at the upper end and the carriage 5-3 is movable, the carriage 5-2 is moved to the home position. When the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette to be used next is already known (for example, when the paper is completed during printing), the position of the stocker 5-1 where the ink ribbon cassette to be used is held is set. Carriage 5 right below
-2 may be moved. As a result, the time until the start of printing can be reduced.

In step S507, the changer 5-2
Moves down the stocker 5-1, and proceeds to step S508. In step S508, a message such as "Please set the print paper in the printer" is displayed on the display device 4 to notify the user to insert the paper, and the process returns to step S501. Although not used in this embodiment, if there is an automatic paper feeder, it is preferable to control to insert paper here.

When the insertion of the sheet is confirmed in step S501, the printing process is started in step S509, and this process is ended. With the above processing, the stocker is not raised until the printing paper is inserted.

FIG. 20 shows the processing contents of whether or not the ink ribbon cassette is held and raised when the stocker is raised at the start of printing, and the carriage from the ink ribbon cassette storage state of the stocker when the type of the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage cannot be recognized. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing for recognizing the type of the upper ink ribbon cassette.

In this process, when the changer 52 raises the stocker 5-1 at the start of printing, the ink ribbon cassette is held and raised, or the ink ribbon cassette is opened and raised to shorten the processing time until printing starts. That is, control is performed.

When the type of the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage cannot be recognized by a normal method (when the position of the carriage cannot be recognized immediately after the power is turned on, when the ink ribbon cassette is already held on the carriage when the power is turned on, etc.). In addition, the type of the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage is recognized from the holding state of the ink ribbon cassette of the stocker.

When the user instructs the ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system to start printing, the flow shown in FIG. 20 is started. It is assumed that the printing paper has already been inserted into the printer, and the stocker 5-1 is in a lowered state.
Is assumed to hold four ink ribbon cassettes of B, Y, M, C (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan) in order from the left end, and the state is stored in the storage device 3 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that

In FIG. 20, first, in step S601, the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette to be used at the start of printing is recognized with reference to the print data stored in the storage device 3 (when the color is specified in the print data). If not, it is black.)

In step S602, it is determined whether or not the current position of the carriage 5-3 is known. If the current position is known, the process proceeds to step S603. If not, the process proceeds to step S610.

The position of the carriage 5-3 is recognized.
There is a carriage left end position sensor (not shown) that is turned ON when the carriage 5-3 is moved to the left end. The position is set as the origin, and the position of the carriage 5-3 is recognized based on the moving distance therefrom. For example, if the printer is not initialized (such as moving the carriage 5-3 to the origin) after the power is turned on, the current position of the carriage 5-3 cannot be recognized.

In step S603, since the position of the carriage 5-3 is known, the carriage 5-3
The type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the upper side is recognized (BY, M, C, and C are sequentially displayed from the left end in the stocker 5-1).
21 is stored in the storage device 3 as shown in FIG. 21, so that, for example, the position of the carriage 5-3 is
If it is known that the ink ribbon cassette is located at the left end position of FIG. 1, the ink ribbon cassette held by the carriage 5-3 can be recognized as "black" from FIG. ).

In step S603, the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage 5-3 recognized in step S603 and the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette initially used at the start of printing recognized in step S601 are determined. It is determined whether or not they are the same, and if they are the same, the process proceeds to step S608;
Go to 5.

In the step S605, the carriage 5-3
Is not used first, the changer 5-2 holds the ink ribbon cassette and raises the stocker 5-1.

In step S606, step S601
The carriage 5 moves to a position immediately below the position where the ink ribbon cassette to be used first at the start of printing, which is recognized by
Move -3. (For example, when the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette to be used first recognized in step S601 is “cyan”, the carriage 5-1 from FIG. 21 is used.
Can be moved to the right end. )

In the step S607, the changer 5-
2 lowers the stocker 5-1. In step S608, the changer 5-2 raises the stocker 5-1 while leaving the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage 5-3.

In step S609, step S601
Since the ink ribbon cassette to be used first at the start of printing, which is recognized by the above, is held in the carriage 6-3, printing is started using this, and this processing is ended.

On the other hand, in step S602, the carriage 5-
If it is determined that the current position of No. 3 is unknown, the process proceeds to step S610. In step S610, the ink ribbon cassette holding state of the stocker 5-1 is determined by the stocker cassette holding sensors 5-1-1 to 5-1-4. Detected and stored in the storage device 3. (Here, Stocker 5-
Since four ink ribbon cassettes B, Y, M, and C are held in order from the left in 1, the data is stored as shown in FIG. In step S611, the changer 5-2 leaves the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage 5-3 and the stocker 5
Increase -1.

In step S612, the ink ribbon cassette holding state of the stocker 5-1 is detected again by the stocker cassette holding sensors 5-1-1 to 5-1-4, and is compared with the value stored in step S610. As a result of the comparison, it is recognized that the type of the ink ribbon cassette in which the position has changed from “present” to “absent” is the ink ribbon cassette held by the carriage 5-3.

For example, when the storage contents in step S610 are as shown in FIG. 22A and the detection result in step S612 is as shown in FIG.
Based on the contents stored in the storage device 3 as in 1, it can be recognized that the “black” ink ribbon cassette is held on the carriage 5-3.

Note that the ink ribbon cassette is stored in the stocker 5
-1 and one in the carriage 5-3, the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette held in the carriage 5-3 is the same as that of the ink ribbon cassette in the stocker 5-1. Can be recognized from no position.

For example, one ink ribbon cassette is held on the carriage 5-3, and the stocker 5-1 is
In the case of the state of 2 (2), it can be recognized that the “black” ink ribbon cassette is held in the carriage 5-3 without comparison with FIG. 22 (1).

In step S613, the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette held on the recognition carriage 5-3 in step S612 is the same as the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette initially used at the start of printing recognized in step S601. Is determined, and if they are the same, the process proceeds to step S609; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S614. In step S614, the changer 5-2
Lowers the stocker 5-1 and moves to step S605, and the rest is as described above.

The stocker cassette holding sensor 5-
In the case of a system that does not have 1-1 to 5-1-4, if it is determined in step S602 that the position of the carriage 5-3 is unknown, the process may proceed to step S605 immediately.

The stocker cassette holding sensor 5-
Even in the case of a system having 1-1 to 5-1-4,
There is an effect (reduction of the time until the start of printing) by performing the processing of step S610 because the type (color) of the ink ribbon cassette held in the carriage 5-3 is the first used ink ribbon cassette recognized in step S601. If it is the same as the type (color) of the set and there is a high possibility that the two are different (for example, if the color recognized in step S601 is other than “black”), step S
It is better to move to 605.

By the above processing, when raising the stocker at the start of printing, it is determined whether or not the ink ribbon cassette is held and raised. When the type of the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage cannot be recognized, the type of the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage is recognized from the storage state of the ink ribbon cassette in the stocker.

[0173]

According to the present invention, when the carriage is moved, it is detected whether the changer is in the ribbon delivery state or the carriage movable state. If the changer is not in the carriage movable state, the carriage is moved. Therefore, failures and accidents such as a collision between the stocker and the carriage and an overheating of the carriage drive motor can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, if the time measuring means and the changer stopping means are provided, if the carriage has moved for some reason or an object is placed on the stocker, etc. Failures or accidents such as breakage of the changer mechanism can be prevented.

If the changer automatic transfer means at the end of printing is further provided, it is possible to smoothly insert the printing paper at the next printing (to prevent jamming of the printing paper) and to reduce the height of the housing. It can be kept low.

If the changer automatic transition means at power-on is further provided, even if the changer is not in the ribbon transfer state at power-on, it is possible to smoothly insert the printing paper when printing is performed in the future. .

When the paper detecting means, the print start instructing means and the paper state determining means are further provided, it is possible to prevent the changer from shifting when the printing paper is not set, and to smoothly insert the printing paper ( Paper jams can be prevented). Also, the user can be prompted to insert the printing paper.

When the carriage ribbon type recognizing means, the printing ribbon type storing means and the ribbon type shifting means are further provided, if the ink ribbon cassette held by the carriage is the first used ink ribbon cassette, the ink ribbon cassette is replaced. Is not performed, so that the time until the start of printing can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage can be determined from the position of the ink ribbon cassette removed from the stocker. Even if the type of the ink ribbon cassette cannot be recognized, the type of the ink ribbon cassette can be determined from the storage state of the stocker. Therefore, a wasteful operation of returning the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage to the stocker and mounting it again on the carriage can be omitted, and the time until printing starts can be shortened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which an ink ribbon cassette is held by a stocker.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a storage state of a stocker.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a stocker is opened.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a changer upper end sensor and a changer lower end sensor.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for determining a vertical position of a stocker from ON / OFF states of a changer upper end sensor and a changer lower end sensor.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an ink ribbon end sensor.

FIG. 9 is an overall view of an ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an overall view of an ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an overall view of an ink ribbon cassette auto changer printer in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an overall view of an ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer in the embodiment, showing a state where a stocker is opened.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of delivery of an ink ribbon cassette between a stocker and a carriage.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing for preventing carriage movement when the changer is not in a carriage movable state.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating processing for stopping the operation of the changer when the changer does not reach the target state.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating processing for automatically shifting the changer from a carriage movable state to a ribbon replacement state after a printing operation is completed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating processing for automatically shifting the changer from a carriage movable state to a ribbon replacement state when the power is turned on.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating processing for preventing the stocker from rising until a print sheet is inserted.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing for determining whether or not to hold and raise the ink ribbon cassette when the stocker is raised at the start of printing, and a case where the type of the ink ribbon cassette on the carriage cannot be recognized; 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing for recognizing the type of an ink ribbon cassette.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the type of the ink ribbon cassette held in the stocker is stored.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a stocker holding state of the ink ribbon cassette of the stocker is stored.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing an example of a conventional color ink ribbon.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conventional color ink ribbon.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a side surface of a conventional ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional printer.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional printer.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 control / calculation device (CPU) 2 input device 3 storage device 4 display device 5 printing device 5-1 stocker 5-2 changer -5 carriage 5-4 paper feeder 5-5,5-6,5-7,5 -8 Ink ribbon cassette 5-9 Carriage guide shaft 5-10 Platen

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Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A carriage having a print head and capable of holding and moving an ink ribbon cassette, a stocker for removably storing the ink ribbon cassette, and transferring the ink ribbon cassette by bringing the stocker and the carriage close to each other. A changer that shifts into two states, a ribbon delivery state to be performed, and a carriage movable state in which the carriage can be moved by separating the two, and detects whether the changer is in the ribbon delivery state or the carriage movable state. An ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system comprising: a changer state detecting means; and a control means for preventing movement of the carriage when the changer is not in a carriage movable state. 2. A carriage having a print head and capable of holding and moving an ink ribbon cassette, a stocker for removably storing the ink ribbon cassette, and transferring the ink ribbon cassette by bringing the stocker and the carriage close to each other. A changer that shifts into two states, a ribbon delivery state to be performed, and a carriage movable state in which the carriage can be moved by separating the two, and detects whether the changer is in the ribbon delivery state or the carriage movable state. Changer state detecting means, time measuring means for measuring the time from the ribbon transfer state to the carriage movable state, and the time from the carriage movable state to the ribbon transfer state, respectively, Timekeeping is the purpose When it became a state of is not detected from the changer state detection means, the ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system comprising comprising a changer stopping means for stopping the changer migration operation. 3. An ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic changer at the end of printing, which automatically shifts the changer from the carriage movable state to the ribbon transfer state after the carriage has completed the printing operation. . 4. A power-on changer automatic shifting means for automatically shifting the changer to the ribbon transfer state when the power is turned on and the changer state detected by the changer state detecting means is not the ribbon transfer state. An ink ribbon cassette autochanger printer system according to claim 1, further comprising: 5. A paper detecting means for detecting a setting state of a printing paper, a printing start instructing means for instructing a printing start, and detecting a setting state of the printing paper when a printing start is instructed. When the setting is completed, the changer is shifted from the ribbon transfer state to the carriage movable state, and when the print paper is not set,
2. The ink ribbon cassette auto-changer printer system according to claim 1, further comprising a paper state determination unit for notifying that no printing paper is set. 6. A carriage ribbon type recognizing means for recognizing a type of an ink ribbon cassette held by a carriage, a print ribbon type storing means for storing a type of an ink ribbon cassette to be used first at the time of printing, and printing start is instructed. At this time, the type of the ink ribbon cassette held in the carriage is recognized, and if the recognized type is the same as the type stored in the print ribbon type storage unit, the ink ribbon cassette is held in the carriage, and Shift the changer from the ribbon transfer state to the carriage movable state, and if the recognized type is different from the type stored in the print ribbon type storage means, or if the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage cannot be recognized. With the ink ribbon cassette removed from the carriage The ink ribbon cassette automatic changer printer system further comprising comprising claim 1, wherein the ribbon type transition means for shifting the changer from the ribbon delivery state to the carriage movable state. 7. A carriage having a print head and capable of holding and moving an ink ribbon cassette, and a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes being removably housed therein.
A stocker having storage detecting means for detecting whether or not each ink ribbon cassette is stored; a ribbon transfer state in which the stocker and the carriage are brought close to each other to transfer the ink ribbon cassette; A changer that shifts the state of the ink ribbon cassette into two states, that is, a carriage movable state in which the ink ribbon cassette is movable; a stocker ribbon type storage unit that stores the type of the ink ribbon cassette stored in the stocker for each storage position; Stocker position ribbon type discrimination for detecting the position of the ink ribbon cassette by the storage detecting means and discriminating the type of the ink ribbon cassette held on the carriage from the detected position and the type of the ink ribbon cassette stored in the stocker ribbon type storage means. Equipped with means Ink ribbon cassette autochanger printer system.